<![CDATA[Ecumenical fraternity among Christian Churches faced challenges arising from prejudice, denominational differences, and limited lay participation. Previous studies had not adequately explained how laypeople’s perceptions, inner dispositions, and relational barriers could inform practical models of spiritual fraternity. This study aimed to examine the theological foundations of ecumenical dialogue, investigate laypeople’s perceptions and relational barriers, and develop models of dialogue and cooperation that could strengthen spiritual fraternity among Christians. The study employed a qualitative descriptive-interpretive approach. The researchers interviewed 12 Catholic and Protestant participants, conducted a focus group discussion with nine members of the Legion of Mary in Buahbatu, Bandung, and consulted two institutional informants from Bogor and Buahbatu. Thematic analysis integrated empirical findings with theological principles of ecumenism. The findings revealed that nine interview participants (75%) recognized spiritual fraternity across Christian Churches, while ten (83.3%) expressed openness to shared prayer. Nevertheless, prejudice, denominational concerns, and differences in religious practices constrained ecumenical engagement. The analysis generated three proposed models: “Learning from One Another,” “Living Room Encounters,” and “Spiritual Care.” The study concluded that sustainable ecumenical fraternity required theological understanding, relational openness, interpersonal trust, and spiritual solidarity. The proposed models offered complementary approaches to lay participation, although the study did not evaluate their effectiveness. The study contributed a pastoral-theological framework that connected receptive ecumenism with ministry of the laity. This framework offered contextual pastoral orientations for strengthening interchurch dialogue, cooperation, and spiritual fraternity in Indonesia.]]>
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